To make acne vanish you may be able to get away with simply washing your face, body and hair properly. Washing too frequently, not frequently enough, and with the wrong products can make acne worse. Allowing the oils from your hair to come into contact with your skin can add to the excess oil that may already be causing your acne. Keeping your hair out of your face is just one trick you might not have realized was helpful for preventing and treating acne, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Using a topical cream and/or taking oral medications like antibiotics or Accutane may be required based on the individual and should be recommended by a dermatologist.
Step 1
Wash your face in the morning. Use a gentle antibacterial soap, as recommended by the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Pat your skin dry or allow it to air dry so as not to irritate your skin. Use an astringent only if you have very oily skin.
Step 2
Apply a topical medication such as benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid or sulfur, as recommended by the National Institutes of Health. Use benzoyl peroxide to lessen the amount of oil produced by your skin. Apply resorcinol and salicylic acid to blackheads and whiteheads. Sulfur can also help clear up blackheads and whiteheads. Use a gel, lotion or cream, and apply it gently and generously.
Step 3
Wash your hair with shampoo. Wash it daily if your hair is oily so the oils from your hair do not cause acne on your face, as recommended by the National Institutes of Health. Wash your hair every other day if it is not oily. Keep your hair out of your face to prevent oil from your hair from getting on your skin.
Step 4
Take an antibiotic orally such as tetracycline, minocycline or doxycycline, as prescribed by your doctor. Be aware of any side effects. Side effects can include dizziness, skin discoloration, nausea or increased sensitivity to sun, according to the National Institutes of Health. Discuss these with your doctor.
Step 5
Wash your face again at night using the same mild cleanser. Apply the topical cream again if so instructed. Some topical medications should be used once a day, and some are used a few times a day. Your personal reaction to the medications will also determine frequency. Some people may experience dryness and irritation if they use the medication more than once every three days.
Tips and Warnings
- The treatments you use for your face may also help clear up acne on other areas of your body. Use a face wash on your shoulders, chest, back or buttocks if you have acne in these places.
Things You'll Need
- Mild face soap
- Shampoo
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